Under the unyielding desert sun, a quiet yet fierce struggle for survival is underway. Here, among the creosote bushes and shifting sands, the desert tortoise — one of North America’s oldest ...

Long before Southern Nevada built its winding highways, desert tortoises roamed freely without consequence. For these federally protected animals, crossing the street without a dedicated path ...

"The desert tortoise is considered a keystone species, which means that they have a disproportionate effect on the entire ecosystem," says Henen, a civilian who heads the conservation branch of ...

“The desert tortoise is considered a keystone species, which means that they have a disproportionate effect on the entire ecosystem,” says Henen, a civilian who heads the conservation branch ...

The two tiny tortoises emerged from their burrows as soon as they detected Brian Henen’s footsteps, eager for the handfuls of bok choy and snap peas that would soon be tossed their way.

Long before Southern Nevada built its winding highways, desert tortoises roamed freely without consequence. For these federally protected animals, crossing the street without a dedicated path could ...

“The desert tortoise is considered a keystone species, which means that they have a disproportionate effect on the entire ecosystem,” says Henen, a civilian who heads the conservation branch ...

TWENTYNINE PALMS Marine Corps base, Calif. — The two tiny tortoises emerged from their burrows as soon as they detected Brian Henen’s footsteps, eager for the handfuls of bok choy and snap ...